This is Spoken Gospel.

We’re dedicated to seeing
Jesus in all of scripture.

In each episode, we see what’s
happening in a Biblical text

and how it sheds light
on Jesus and his gospel.

Let’s jump in.

Like Moses stood on Mt. Sinai to give
the first law in Exodus, Jesus now stands

on a mountain to talk about how
we can fulfill the law in Matthew.

He begins with a list of blessings to the
poor in spirit, the mourning, the persecuted.

Jesus is telling the Israelites in exile that though
they are impoverished, mournful, and persecuted,

they are now blessed because Jesus is
there to bring them out of exile and out
of the wilderness and into his Kingdom.

Jesus continues by explaining that
citizens of the Kingdom live by God’s Law.

As they do this, others notice and glorify
God, the way a light shines from a lampstand.

This was the point of the original
Law given to Moses in Exodus—

that Israel would be
a light to the nations.

But many obey the
Law for their own glory.

They pray, fast, and give in order to be seen by
people, rather than just loving from a sincere heart.

Instead of seeking human approval,
Jesus encourages his listeners

to trust that there is a reward
in heaven stored up for them.

Jesus shows us through his teaching
that God is after our hearts,
not just our actions.

He says that anger is like murder
and that lust is like adultery.

Jesus aims at our hearts, which is a place
within us that the Law, by itself, could not reach.

Nevertheless, these laws are
meant to be lived, not just heard.

To hear and to do
nothing is to build upon sand.

But to hear the Teacher, to trust,
and obey is to find a sure foundation.

Jesus said he came to fulfill the Law.

This is good news because no one
had yet taught, understood,
or obeyed the law perfectly.

Jesus didn’t just
give us right teaching.

He lived it out on our behalf.

He loved his enemies
by dying for them.

He prayed, “Father, forgive them,”
when he was persecuted on the cross.

He turned his cheek when
struck by Roman guards.

Through Jesus, we are
lead into a new Kingdom life.

Jesus points out two paths—there's
the broad way and the narrow way.

There are many ways to destroy our
lives, but only one way to restore them.

And the good news is that
through Jesus, we can now be saved.

Jesus is our narrow way.

Jesus is also our solid rock.

To put faith in Jesus is to find the
surest footing for today and for eternity—

he is true wisdom
and true obedience.

Jesus’ sermon ends with many being denied
access to his presence on account of their works alone.

And that's because it is only those
whom he truly knows who he welcomes in.

Which means that knowing
Jesus is our firm foundation.

So, I pray that the Holy Spirit would open your eyes
to see the God who is a perfect Father in heaven.

And may you see Jesus as the one who fulfills
the Law and lets us build our lives on his obedience.